Kia Sonet Compact SUV Officially Revealed [All You Need to Know]

Kia has officially unveiled the much-awaited Sonet compact SUV for the Indian market. It is based on the BS6-compliant model of the Hyundai Venue and will be most probably available with similar engine and gearbox options. In terms of design, the Kia Sonet features the brand’s iconic ‘tiger-nose’ grille at the front with mesh patterns across it.

In addition to this, the sharper accents at the front bonnet followed by the fog lamp inserts coloured in matte silver as well as the sleeker headlight design mated to LED DRLs further complements its overall look. Kia Motors has equipped the Sonet compact SUV with larger air vents at the front while the overall aggressive stance makes it stand apart from the rest of the Korean brand’s portfolio.

The window lines at the side integrate neatly with the C-pillar while the muscular accents on the body panels with dual-tone alloy wheels setup further impart it with a stunning outlook. The Kia Sonet will be available to the customers in seven single-tone shades and three dual-tone shades while the compact SUV features blacked-out roof rails and colour-coded wing mirrors.

Coming to the rear of the Sonet, the raked windshield merges neatly with the flowing C-pillar design while the LED strip embodies the taillights in a single line. The brand has also equipped the GT model of the SUV with red accents on the alloy wheels, roof rails as well as on the door sills, similar to the one offered on the Kia Seltos midsize SUV.

In terms of the cabin, the brand has offered the Kia Seltos compact SUV production variant with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system in addition to offering all the premium bits and pieces for ease of passengers as well as the driver. Here is the complete list of key features available on the top-spec model of the Kia Sonet:

Kia Sonet Compact SUV Key Features

7-Speaker Bose Sound System
10.25-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System
UVO App with Smartwatch Connectivity
Mood Lighting
4.2-inch Advanced All-Digital Instrument Cluster
Air Purifier with Virus Protection
Kia’s UVO Connectivity Suite
Auto Climate Control
Electric Sunroof
Auto Headlamps
Tyre-Pressure Monitor
Wireless Phone Charging
Front and Rear Parking Sensors
Six Airbags
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Hill Assist Control (HAC)
Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
Brake Assist (BA)
Ventilated Front Seats

Kia Sonet Tech Model

Kia Sonet GT Model

Since the Kia Sonet is based on the Hyundai Venue, one can expect the brand to offer the production variant with the following engine and gearbox options:

Kia Sonet Engine Options

1.2-litre Petrol Engine
1.0-litre Turbo Petrol Engine
1.5-litre Diesel Engine

Kia Sonet Gearbox Options

5-speed MT (Manual Transmission)
6-speed MT (Manual Transmission)
6-Speed Clutchless IMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission)
6-Speed AT (Automatic Transmission)
7-Speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) Automatic

According to the latest details available, the Kia Sonet Tech series will be available with all three engine options while the Sonet GT models will be available with two engine options: the 1.0-litre turbo petrol and the 1.5-litre diesel.

The 1.2-litre petrol engine will be good for a maximum power of 83 HP and a peak torque of 114 Nm. This engine option will be mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard. The 1.5-litre diesel engine will be good for 100 HP of power and 240 Nm of torque, and it will come with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard.

The 1.0-litre turbo petrol model will generate a maximum power of 120 HP and an utmost torque of 172 Nm. This engine option will be available with a 7-speed DCT gearbox as standard. It is also being said that the Kia Sonet will be available with the latest 6-speed iMT gearbox and a 6-speed torque-convertor automatic gearbox as well.

Kia Sonet Availability & Exected Price

In terms of availability, the Kia Sonet compact SUV is expected to be launched sometime in September 2020 while getting a price range of around INR 7 lakh to INR 12 lakh (ex-showroom). Once launched in India, the SUV will compete in the market with the likes of Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport and Mahindra XUV300.